​DJ and producer Thomas Brückner, AKA Tomcraft, has died aged 49

Legendary DJ and producer Tomcraft, real name Thomas Brückner, has passed away aged 49, his family and friends have confirmed.

In a post shared across his social media platforms earlier today, Brückner’s family confirmed: “With a heavy heart we need to inform you that yesterday, the 15.07.2024, our beloved father and husband has passed away.”

“We will forever carry you in our hearts and love you until we're reunited again. Sincerely, your family,” they wrote. His cause of death was not confirmed.

The Munich-hailing DJ and producer was best known for his revered brand of progressive house and trance. After meeting fellow German producer Eniac in 1996, the pair created a number of hits including ‘Viva’ and ‘Prosac’, both earning huge success in the early ‘00s.

In 2002, Tomcraft released ‘Loneliness’, a single that would go on to top the charts a year later in the UK. He released a total of four albums during his life, all within just six years.

Between the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, Tomcraft was a resident DJ at KW - Das Heizkraftwerk, a famed techno institution in Munich which shut down in 2003.

During his career, Tomcraft performed to crowds of 1.3 million at Berlin’s renowned Love Parade in 2003, and played shows across the world in countries including Brazil, Japan, and South Africa.

In 2005, Tomcraft unveiled Craft Music, a record label and an outlet for his own productions, mostly focused on techno, electro, and house. It housed releases from artists including Spektre, Jimmy Pop, and more.

In a tribute, German producer Westbam wrote on Facebook: "I played together with him in Rügen just 2 weeks ago. He had a great set together. I sat there and listened from beginning to end, which I hardly ever do."

Read some tributes below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter